Excessive Force?

I want to get an outside prospective on a Use of force that took place. A little back-story, I am a Deputy Sheriff in Va. I work in the booking division of our local jail. On a recent night shift we were slow so one of my co-workers went to the precinct to pick up the prisoners that had been arrested and booked there. One the way back he radios and tells us that he has 4. Three that are co-operative, and one combative. No big deal it happens all the time. When he arrives we clear the three out and then my co-worker and I take the last guy out of the van. He has already been arrested quite a few times this year, however on this arrest he was charged with resisting. Then at the lock-up he became combative 3 more times before transport. In addition he made remarks during transport about kicking our ass, and so forth. I made the decision to take him straight to our back holding cells where we normally place unruly inmates. After him falling down and refusing to walk, and having to drag/ carry him we placed him on the floor of the cell. I want to precede the following by saying I feel that the situation was handled right with regards to are training, and SOP. Are normal procedure is that when we un handcuff someone they are to place the hand under the stomach. Also we have a three step process 1)Ask them. 2) Tell them. 3) Insure Compliance. We gave verbal commands before the first cuff came off to do so and then after the cuff came off. The inmate refused to place his hand under is stomach pain compliance techniques were being used to insure compliance. After both verbal commands and pain techniques did not work we struck him several times in the back, and ribs with closed fist. My partner also struck him in the face twice. The inmate finally placed his hand under him, and complied when the second cuff came off. No blows were thrown after he complied. The only reason I ask it this seems excessive is because a immediate supervisor said that the higher ups might think that. Please give me some input on what you think, or similar experiences. Also if any thing is unclear just ask, and I will try and clarify it.

The striking him in the face was improper at that point. There are many areas to you could use pressure an inflict pain to force him to comply. Big no-no is to leave any marks. When the fight is on, I could care less how badly he looks or how many stitches he takes but so long as I have basic control, there are holds and come-alongs, and pain pressure points to utilize.

I don't understand the hand under the stomach thing, but you did what you had to do. Sleep well tonight!

we do this as a way to keep the inamte unable to react quickly. For example with this hands under his stomach palms facing up it makes it very hard for them to push off the ground and fight.or have his hands free to swing. It is really just a safety thing for us.